The King Becomes a Slave

2:7-8 taking the form of a bond-servant... He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

In Paul’s description of the process of Christ’s humiliation, he makes much of His subservience. Though by nature he was Lord, He did not come acting like a Lord, but like a slave. He subjected Himself to the Father and to human institutions, though, in reality, all human institutions were far below Him. He obeyed parents, religious leaders, civil magistrates, even though He was rightfully their king. Remember when they came to collect the temple tax and Jesus paid it (albeit strangely) even though He said that in terms of justice He was under no obligation to do so (Matt.17:24-27)?

We will not have grasped the richness of Christ’s example of godly living if we miss the fact that He willingly came to serve and to obey. He Himself said in Mark 10:45, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

This points out the place of service and obedience in the Christian life. We are called on here to imitate the one who "took the form of a bond-servant" and who "humbled Himself by becoming obedient." It is contrary to our nature to do so. We hate to have someone else telling us what to do. We hate to put ourselves under another person. In our flesh we despise the role of the servant.

But the One who calls us to obey and to submit has gone before us and done what He commands us to do. Though He was God, He humbled Himself and obeyed. How much more ought we humble ourselves and obey our good God?

"Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all." (Mark 10:43-44)

Submission is proven by obedience.

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15)

Dear Jesus, without shame I call You my Lord. I submit my life to You. You have earned it. Not only am I Yours by virtue of the fact that You created me, but I am Yours again by virtue of the fact that You purchased my life by Your blood. Teach me to obey. Teach me to obey with joy. Help me to mortify my pride. Teach me to make myself the servant of others. Teach me gladly to always lower myself in order to raise You up. Help me to walk in Your footsteps, which lead through the valley of humility into the land of glory.